PL ASCOM
W i r e & C a bl e C ompou n d s L ASCOM
ARAB COMPANY FOR CABLE POLYMERS LTD.
400A-
PLS 400A-SR Product Data Sheet
Fast Curing Silane Crosslinkable (Sunlight Resistant) Polyethylene Low Voltage Power Cable
Insulation Compound
Description
PLS 400A-SR is a Silane grafted, polyethylene insulation compound specially modified to
render, faster crosslinking. It is identical to PLS 400A except that it contains special
stabilization package to render resistance against SUNLIGHT. It is designed to be used
with Plascom PLS 420 and/or PLS 420D catalyst masterbatch added at a rate of 5 wt.%.
The extruded combination is faster crosslinkable on exposure to hot water / low pressure
steam or ambient. It is suitable for use in both copper and aluminium cored cables.
Specifications
PLS 400A-SR insulated conductors, when manufactured employing sound extrusion
practices and strict process control, will comply with the requirements of the following
standard: -
UL 854/1581,USE-USE-2
BS 5467/6469 IEC 60502-1
Application
PLS 400A-SR is for use by cable manufacturers requiring best performance properties for
low voltage, silane crosslinked cable insulation (up to 1 kV). It is suitable for a wide
range of cable sizes, either copper or aluminium cored and may be colored for identification
purposes using suitable LDPE based pigment masterbatches. The extruded cores shall
render resistance to sunlight when exposed.
Packaging
PLS 400A-SR is manufactured in pellet form and is available in the following packages: -
- lined, palletised Octabins 600 kg net
Octabins contain heat-sealed liners to prevent moisture ingress. The palletised package is
stretch wrapped for environmental protection. The Octabins may be stacked two high
provided the lower packages are unopened and the stretch wrapping is intact. Packages
damaged during handling should not be stacked.
Processing
PLS 400A-SR requires very precise process control in order to maximise manufacturing
efficiency and optimise the final physical and electrical properties of the insulated cable. It
will process well on a wide variety of extruders but, as a general guide, extruders having an
L:D of less than 25:1 and a compression ratio between 2 and 3 are recommended. A
temperature profile rising from about 160oC at zone 1 to about 250oC at the die (when flame
is applied). Without flame, the die temperature has to be maintained at 300oC. Screw
cooling about 75oC; will suffice for most applications. Pre-drying of the catalyst
masterbatch and colour masterbatches is strongly advised. However, do not attempt to
pre-dry PLS 400A-SR. When small diameter wires are being manufactured, particularly
with larger extruders, the material residence time may be excessive. To minimise scorch in
such circumstances it is good practice to maintain as low a temperature profile as possible,
consistent with the power requirements and pressure limits of the extruder. Intially a melt
temperature of approximately 220ºC and a crosshead temperature of 225ºC maximum are
required. Flaming of the die is advised to maximise surface gloss in all cases. PLS 400A-
Plascom, Arab Co. for Cable Polymers Ltd., P.O. Box 18595, Riyadh 11425, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Tel: + 966 1 265 0255 Fax: + 966 1 265 0270 E-mail: info@plascom.com.sa Web site: www.plascom.com.sa
PLS 400A-SR Product Data Sheet 30 December, 2005 Version 3.0, Rev. 0
SR may be utilized in either pressure or tube-on extrusion, although some pressure
extrusion configurations may compromise final mechanical properties. Precise processing
conditions will vary depending on the extruder type, die tooling, conductor size and line
speed employed. Please contact Plascom to determine your specific requirements.
Physical & Electrical Typical Properties
Test Typical Value(1) Unit Test Method
Melt Flow Rate (190/2.16) 1.0 dg/min ASTM D 1238
Density (Conditioning ISO 1183 - D) 920 kg/m3 ASTM D 1505
Final Composition Properties(2) (2a)
Tensile Strength at Break(2a) 20 MPa IEC 60811-1-1
Elongation at Break(2a) 600 % IEC 60811-1-1
Aged Tensile Strength at Break (2) (3) >90 % Retain IEC 60811-1-2
Aged Elongation at Break (2) (3) >90 % Retain IEC 60811-1-2
Hot Set (2a)(4) (Elongation/Set) 80/0 % IEC 60811-2-1
Dielectric Strength(2a) (short pulse) >21 kV/mm IEC 60243
DC Volume Resistivity(2) 1 x 1015 cm ASTM D 257
Dielectric Constant (2) 2.3 60 Hz ASTM D 150
Dissipation Factor (2) 0.0004 60 Hz ASTM D 150
Note:
1. Values may differ when tests are performed on extruded insulation. Typical values should not
be used for specification purposes.
2. Determined on 2 mm pressed sheet (PLS 400A-SR:PLS420/420D, 95:5) cured at 90°C in water
for 2 hours.
2a. Determined on 0.8mm extruded tape (PLS 400A-SR:PLS420/420D, 95:5) cured at 90°C in water
for 2 hours.
3. Test condition 135°C, 7 days
4. Test condition 200°C, 20 N/cm2, 15 min.
Health and Safety
PLS 400A-SR ingredients are essentially non hazardous in the delivered compound. Fines
and dust particles associated with handling or conveying PLS 400A-SR, as with all
polyethylenes, may, under certain circumstances, pose an explosion hazard. Your facilities
and procedures must be designed and operated to minimise the exposure of personnel to
the dust and the possibility of a dust explosion occurring.
Please refer to the PLS 400A-SR Material Safety Data Sheet for comprehensive
information.
Storage and Handling
PLS 400A-SR may be bulk handled and conveyed using equipment designed for
conventional polyethylene pellets. The conveying system should be adequately grounded to
prevent accumulation of static charge and equipped with suitable filtration to prevent dust
hazards within the factory and local environment. By its nature PLS 400A-SR is moisture
sensitive so the use of high humidity conveying air should be avoided. The material must
be used within a short time after exposure to humidity in order to minimise the risk of
scorching during extrusion. PLS 400A-SR should be used directly from its packaging.
Under no circumstances should it be pre dried - even in dehumidified hot air.
PLS 400A-SR must be stored unopened in a dry, stable temperature environment for
optimum performance. A temperature range of 10 oC to 35 oC is recommended. Under
ideal conditions a shelf life of more than 6 months can be expected. Irreversible damage
may occur to the compound if it is not stored in appropriate conditions.
Third Party Materials
Insofar as materials not supplied by Plascom are used in conjunction with, or instead of
Plascom materials, it is the responsibility of the customer to obtain all relevant data
pertaining to their use and to satisfy himself as to their suitability. No liability whatsoever
can be accepted by Plascom for use of their materials in conjunction with any other
material.
Information contained in this publication is accurate to the best of Plascom’s knowledge. No liability will be accepted for use of the
information or use, application, adaptation or processing of the product described herein.